Refused to give up favourite car to company although they offered two new ones in return, Yusuff Ali to receive the car travelled by Marthanda Varma for 23 lakh miles

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Maharaja Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma did not give up his favorite car despite the Benz company saying that it would give two new ones in return. Now the car is being given to famous businessman Yusuff Ali as per Marthanda Varma's wish.

In 2012, Yusuf Ali arrived at the Pattom Palace at the invitation of Utradam Thirunal and the King expressed his desire then. The promise was made in the presence of G. Rajmohan, former chairman of the Pollution Control Board. After Uthradam Thirunal's death, the car was looked after by his son Padmanabha Varma and Uthradam Thirunal Marthanda Varma Foundation. The royal family has decided to donate the car to Yusuf Ali soon. The car, which was kept at Pattom Palace, is now in a city workshop for repairs.

The car made in Stuttgart, Germany, was bought by the Travancore royal family for Rs 12,000 in 1950. The number of the car registered in Karnataka is CAN42. This was the King's favourite car among his collection. The car has travelled a distance of 23 lakh miles. The car also features medals from the Benz Company in recognition of its long distance. At the age of 85, Marthanda Varma still drived this car. Many prominent personalities had approached to buy this car. In addition, Benz company representatives also approached with an offer.